Rare Orange Lobster Found At Local Restaurant Is 1-In-30 million

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — A rare lobster was saved from the cooking pot when kitchen staff at a Scottsdale restaurant recognized its uniqueness.

The pumpkin-colored lobster turned up this summer at Nobu Scottsdale, an upscale Japanese restaurant. The restaurant donated the animal to OdySea Aquarium after staff realized they had a one-in-30 million lobster on their hands, according to a news release from OdySea.

At the moment the special lobster is living behind the scenes at the aquarium located in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in Scottsdale. The aquarium is working to create an ideal environment for the creature that also ensures it won't injure other animals with its large pinchers, the aquarium said.

"The chance of finding a lobster this color in the wild is one in 30 million, so we are really fortunate to have it in our collection,” said Dave Peranteau, director of animal care at OdySea Aquarium, in the news release. “We are grateful to Nobu for recognizing the lobster’s significance and reaching out to us regarding this incredible ambassador for its species. We look forward to having it on display soon for all our visitors to enjoy!”

Their bright coloring makes orange lobsters an easy target in the wild, so they tend to live much longer in aquariums, according to OdySea.

Lobsters have a lifespan of up to 100 years, can grow to more than three feet long and weigh upward of 40 pounds, the aquarium said.